Diaper washer



March 15, 1966 D. A. POLZIN 3 239345 DIAPER WASHER Filed March 27, 1964 FIGZ FIGB

INVENTOR. DEAN A. POLZIN.

ATTORN EY United States Patent Ofiice 3,239,845 DIAPER WASHER Dean A. Polzin, 12055 Elm St., Birch Run, Mich. Filed Mar. 27, 1964, Ser. No. 356,017 11 Claims. (Cl. 4-1) This invention relates to clothes washers and more particularly has reference to a device for washing diapers adapted to be installed in a conventional Water closet reservoir.

Diapers, after soiling, are ordinarily stored in some type of receptacle until a suflicient number have been accumulated to warrant a washing. Such stored diapers present a serious problem since they attract flies and create objectionable odors. In addition, such storage increases rather than decreases the amount of handling of these soiled diapers.

To avoid such repeated handling of the diapers, it has heretofore been suggested that a combination storage and washing device be provided wherein the diapers are placed after soiling, and accumulated for a period of time and then washed by actuation of the device. However, such devices have been found to be inadequate since they must be mountable over a suitable drain so as to provide means for disposing of the water after washing. Whether a fixed structure is employed, or one which is movable to a position over the drain, the device is bulky and inconvenient. Several devices of this sort have been suggested which may be placed over the commode in an existing water closet; after the washing operation the water is discharged into the commode. However, these devices have also been found to be inconvenient since the water closet is rendered inoperative while the device is mounted over the commode. In addition, since existing commodes are not of a uniform height, splashing may occur as the rinse water is discharged into the commode, thereby requiring cleansing of the commode bowl.

The present invention is intended to provide a washing device for diapers which is permanent, stationary, and normally hidden from view. In addition, it is the object of the present invention to utilize an existing body of water disposed adjacent to a drain, namely the reservoir situated adjacent the commode in an existing conventional water closet. More particularly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a tank and associated parts which are permanently mountable in the water closet reservoir and which include means for introducing water from the reservoir into the tank, means for agitating the water-filled tank, and means for discharging the rinse water and solids into the standard water outlet from the reservoir.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which will be subsequently described in detail, the device comprises a tank adapted to fit into a conventional water closet reservoir. A container of wire mesh material is disposed inside of the tank. The tank includes an inlet port adapted to permit entrance of the water in the reservoir into the tank, and an outlet port adapted to permit discharge of liquid in the tank into the adjacent standard water outlet. A motor, timer, and suitable linkage means are provided, adapted to sequentially open the inlet port in the tank, agitate the container, and open the outlet port for discharge of the rinse water and solids into the standard reservoir water outlet. The mesh breaks the waste material into sufl'iciently small particles to permit it to pass easily through the various ports in the commode.

It can be seen that the present invention provides a diaper wash which is simple to use, is hidden from view, and is operative with a minimum of plumbing. This device permits minimum handling of the soiled diapers and 3,239,845 Patented Mar. 15, 1966 provides a ready storage space for these diapers. In addition, the ease of operating the device permits the immediate washing of the diaper after it is placed in the container.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof. The description makes reference to the drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a conventional water closet including a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front sectional view taken through the interior of the water closet reservoir of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a top sectional view taken through the Water closet reservoir of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 4 is a schematic view of the actuating mechanism and the valves actuated thereby.

Referring to the drawing in greater detail, FIGURE 1 shows a conventional existing water closet or toilet generally indicated at It). This water closet 10 includes a commode 12, and a reservoir 14 mounted behind the commode.

The conventional water closet reservoir 14 normally comprises longitudinal vertical porcelain side walls 16 and 18, and transverse vertical porcelain end walls 20 and 22, these walls 1622 being fixed together in the form of a rectangular housing. A horizontal floor 24 is fixed to the lower end of the housing, while a removable porcelain top (not shown) is normally seated along the upper edges of the walls.

A water inlet pipe 26 connected to a source of water through suitable conventional plumbing fixtures, projects through the floor 24 of the reservoir 14 and extends upwardly to a point adjacent the top. A standard accessory pipe 28 extends vertically in parallel manner adjacent the water inlet pipe 26.

The water inlet pipe 26 is valved at its upper end. This valve structure is adapted to be opened by a downward pivoting movement of an arm 30 connected at the valve structure and extending laterally across the reservoir toward the end wall 22 where it terminates in a float (not shown). Thus a decreased water level in the reservoir produces a downward pivoting of the arm 30 and opens the valve means in the water inlet pipe 26.

A standard water outlet 32 is provided in the floor 24 of the reservoir 14 and includes an annular side wall 34. A stopper 36 is normally seated in sealing fashion over the outlet 32. The stopper 36 includes an upwardly projecting arm 38 connected by suitable linkage 40 to a flush handle 42 mounted exteriorly of side wall 16. Actuation of the handle 42 raises the stopper 36 off of the outlet Wall 34, thereby permitting water in the reservoir to pass through the outlet 32 and into the commode 12.

The drawing shows the diaper washer of the present invention installed in the above described conventional water closet 10. The washer includes a rectangular tub 44 having vertical walls 46 and a floor 48 extending between the lower edges of the walls 46. A cylindrical projection 50 projects upwardly from the upper face of the floor 48 of the tub 44. The tub 44 is adapted to be placed in the reservoir 14 adjacent the water outlet 32 and spaced from the end wall 22. A vented lid 52 is adapted to be removably mounted on the upper open end of the tub 44. A lifting knob is provided on the upper surface of the lid 52.

A cylindrical container 56 of heavy Wire mesh construction is mounted in the tub 44 on a shaft 58 which extends through the containers solid floor 59 and the projection 50 of the tab 44. The container diameter is slightly less than the smallest interior dimension of the tub 44 and is spaced from the walls 46 so .as to be free to rotate freely within the tub. The wire mesh container 56 is open at the top and is provided with a series of spaced curved projections or ridges 60 along the interior face of the side Wall. The container includes a downwardly projecting annular flange 61 which fits slidingly about the cylindrical projection 50 on the floor 48.

The tub 44 includes an inlet port 62 in the side wall 46 near the bottom of the tub 44. A stopper 64 is adapted to close the port 62 in fluid-tight fashion. The stopper 64 is mounted at the end of a solenoid 65 adapted to normally maintain the stopper in open position across the port 62. An outlet port 66 is provided in the side wall 46 immediately adjacent the water outlet 32. A short section of tubing 67 extends between the port 66 and a matching hole 68 in the wall of the water outlet 32, thereby permitting water flowing through port 66 to pass into the outlet 32 and thence into the commode 12. A stopper 70 actuated by a solenoid 71 is adapted to be positioned across the interior of the tubing 67 through an opening 72 in the side of the tubing so as to prevent flow of water from the tub 44 into the water outlet 32.

The actuating mechanism for the washer is housed in a fluid-tight enclosure 73 between the tub 44 and the reservoir 14. The tub 44 is supported on the upper face of a horizontal portion 75 of the enclosure 73. The actuating mechanism is shown schematically as including a motor 74, a timer 76, and a gear train 78 connecting the motor to the shaft 58. The motor and gear train are adapted to impart a reciprocating rotational or agitational motion to the shaft 58. The timer 76 is also adapted by means of suitable electrical circuitry 77 and 79 to actuate the solenoids 65 and 71 so as to open and close the stoppers 64 and 70 with respect to the ports 62 and 66, in timed sequence.

The motor, timer and gear train, which are of conventional variety, are adapted to function in the following manner. First, the normally open port 62 is closed, thereby preventing water from the rest of the reservoir from entering the tub; the shaft 58 and container 56 are then impressed with an agitating motion for several minutes. After the agitation has ceased, the port 66 is opened, permitting the waste water to discharge through the outlet 32. Deactuation of the actuating mechanism then permits the stopper 70 to return to its closed position.

The existing float (not shown) is removed from the arm 30 when the present washing device is installed, and a new float 80 substituted therefore. The float 80 is connected to the end of arm 30 by means of a sleeve 82 which fits slidingly over the end of the arm and is pivotably connected to the float 80. This construction allows the float 80 to move vertically between the tub 44 and the end wall 22 as the arm 30 moves through an are about its hinged connection at the water inlet pipe 26. The float is connected below its center to prevent turning.

The existing porcelain top (not shown) is removed from the reservoir 14 when the present washing device is installed. A new top 86 substituted for the existing one may be constructed of plastic or any other suitable material and includes a hinged section 88 disposed above the container 56.

In operation, the hinged section 88 of the top 86 is folded back, the lid 52 removed, and the soiled diapers placed in the container 56. The lid and top section are then returned to their closed position and the timer 76 is actuated by a switch 81 which may be mounted on the outside of the resesrvoir. The timer 76 then starts the motor 74 which sequentially closes port 62, agitates the container 56, and opens port 66, thereby discharging the waste water into the outlet 32 and thence into the commode 12. The normal siphon action in the commode trap (not shown) will cause this waste water to pass into the drain. The diapers are then removed from the container 56 and the switch opened, returning the stopper 70 to its normal closed position, and the stopper 64 to its normal open position.

The ridges 60 along the interior of the container aid in the agitation of the diapers. The wire mesh material reduces the size of the particles of waste material so as to decrease the likelihood of clogging of the passages in the commode through which the waste material and water pass after discharge through the outlet 32.

The agitation and drain cycle may be repeated one or more times if necessary to obtain thorough cleaning of the diapers.

The position of the several parts described above may be varied as desired within the reservoir 14. In addition, it is contemplated that any one of a variety of available actuating mechanisms may be employed to produce the desired agitation and drain cycle. It might also be desirable to provide a rinse step in the cycle for more thorough cleaning of the diapers.

It can be seen that the present diaper washing device may be easily installed in a conventional water closet reservoir with a minimum of structural change in the water closet mechanism.

If desired, the entire diaper washing mechanism may be fabricated in a single housing adapted to be placed in the reservoir. In such a case, the only modification of the existing water closet necessary is to provide an opening or other such means in the wall of the water outlet 32.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a water closet including a reservoir, water inlet, a water outlet, and a removable stopper for said outlet, the improvement for washing clothing, comprising:

a container adapted to be inserted in said reservoir and to receive said clothing, said container having a valved inlet port communicating the interior of said container with water filling said reservoir, and a valved outlet port adapted to discharge Water from said container into said water outlet in said reservoir;

and actuating means adapted to sequentially fill said container with water from said reservoir through said inlet port, agitate said container, and discharge said water in said container into said water outlet through said outlet port.

2. In a water closet including a reservoir, a water inlet,

a water outlet, and a removable stopper for said outlet, the improvement for washing clothing, comprising:

a container adapted to be inserted in said reservoir and to receive said clothing, said container having a valved inlet port communicating the interior of said container with water filling said reservoir, and a valved outlet port adapted to discharge water from said container into said water outlet in said reservoir;

and actuating means adapted to sequentially open and close said first valved port, impart an agitating motion to said container, and open and close said outlet port.

3. In a water closet including a reservoir, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a removable stopper for said outlet, the improvement for washing clothing, comprising:

a container adapted to be mounted in said reservoir and having an opening through which said clothes are adapted to be inserted;

a. valved inlet structure in said container adapted, when open, to permit passage of water in said reservoir into said container;

a valved outlet structure in said container adapted, when open, to permit passage of the water in said container into said reservoir water outlet;

agitating means adapted, when actuated, to impart an agitating motion to said container;

and actuating means adapted, when actuated, to sequentially open and close said inlet structure, actuate said agitating means, and open and close said outlet structure.

4. The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said outlet port is communicative with said reservoir water outlet through the wall of said water outlet below said stopper.

5. The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inlet port is normally open and said outlet port is normally closed.

6. In a Water closet including a reservoir, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a removable stopper for said outlet, the improvement for Washing clothing, comprising:

a tub adapted to be mounted in said reservoir;

a container in said tub having an opening through which said clothes are adapted to be inserted, the interior of said container being communicative with the interior of said tub;

a valved inlet structure in said tub adapted, when open, to permit passage of water in said reservoir into said tub and container;

a valved outlet structure in said tub adapted, when open, to permit passage of the water in said tub and container into said reservoir water outlet;

agitating means adapted, when actuated, to impart an agitating motion to said container with respect to said tub and said reservoir and actuating means adapted, when actuated, to sequentially close said inlet structure, actuate said agitating means, open and close said outlet structure, and open said inlet structure.

7. The structure as set forth in claim 6 wherein said container is comprised of Wire mesh material.

8. The structure as set forth in claim 7 wherein said container includes ridges projecting inwardly along its interior surfaces.

9. In a water closet including a reservoir, a lid on said reservoir, a water inlet and a Water outlet for said reservoir, a stopper for said outlet, and a float adapted to actuate said stopper, the improvement for Washing diapers comprising:

a hinged lid adapted to be substituted for said reservoir 6 a container adapted to be mounted in said reservoir and having an opening at its upper end below said lid, whereby diapers may be inserted in the device by opening said lid and placing them in said container; a valved inlet structure in said container adapted, when open, to permit passage of Water in said reservoir into said container; a valved outlet structure in said container adapted, when open, to permit passage of the water in said container into said reservoir water outlet; agitating means adapted, when actuated, to impart an agitating motion to said container; and actuating means adapted, when actuated, to seq-uentially close said inlet structure, actuate said agitating means, open and close said outlet structure, and open said inlet structure. 10. The structure as set forth in claim 9 and including a removable cover adapted to fit on said opening in said container below said hinged lid.

11. The structure as set forth in claim 9 and including a float adapted to be substituted for said existing float, said new float fitting between said container and said reservoir.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,791,781 5/1957 Murray 4'-1 2,882,708 4/1959 Hancock et al. 4-1 2,929,073 3/1960 Sarlin 4-1 3,018,488 1/1962 Snead 4-l LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A WATER CLOSET INCLUDING A RESERVOIR, WATER INLET, A WATER OUTLET, AND A REMOVABLE STOPPER FOR SAID OUTLET, THE IMPROVEMENT FOR WASHING CLOTHING, COMPRISING: A CONTAINER ADAPTED TO BE INSERTED IN SAID RESERVOIR AND TO RECEIVE SAID CLOTHING, SAID CONTAINER HAVING A VALVED INLET PORT COMMUNICATING THE INTERIOR OF SAID CONTAINER WITH WATER FILLING SAID RESERVOIR, AND A VALVED OUTLET PORT ADAPTED TO DISCHARGED WATER FROM SAID CONTAINER INTO SAID WATER OUTLET IN SAID RESERVOIR; AND ACTUATING MEANS ADAPTED TO SEQUENTIALLY FILL SAID CONTAINER WITH WATER FROM SAID RESERVOIR THROUGH SAID INLET PORT, AGITATE SAID CONTAINER, AND DISCHARGE SAID WATER IN SAID CONTAINER INTO SAID WATER OUTLET THROUGH SAID OUTLET PORT. 